Ireland Grapples with Rise of Youth Vaping

Experts raise concerns as e-cigarette marketing targets teens.

While some nations restrict them, vape shops are common in Ireland, marketing to children and teens. Alarmingly, one third of Irish 15- and 16-year-olds are now using e-cigarettes, sparking public health worries.

Vaping: A Public Health Threat?

Once promoted as a tool to quit smoking, opinions regarding e-cigarettes have shifted. Due to high nicotine levels and addictive properties, many medical experts now actively discourage vaping.

Targeting the Youth

The vaping industry faces accusations of targeting young people by appealing to them directly via flavors and marketing. For example, one shop is even named “Vapes & Candy,” as seen in the image below.

Global Concerns

The global rise in youth vaping has prompted action in many countries. For instance, in the United States, the FDA has cracked down on flavored e-cigarettes, issuing marketing denial orders to several companies (FDA, 2024).

Ireland Eyes Tourist Tax Amidst European Trend

Dublin and Galway consider visitor levy despite past setbacks.

As tourist taxes gain traction across Europe, the concept has surfaced in Dublin and Galway, Ireland. Despite prior failed attempts, the idea of a visitor levy is now a topic of political discussion.

Political Backing Emerges

For the first time, a Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has voiced public support for a tourist tax. This endorsement came in response to a Dublin city task force report.

Worldwide Debate

The debate surrounding tourism taxes continues globally. The core questions remain consistent: Do tourists care about these taxes, and do they even notice them? While governments, especially at the local level, tend to favor these taxes, hoteliers generally oppose them.

Amsterdam, for instance, is set to increase its tourist tax to €16.75 per person per night in 2024, the highest city tax in Europe, to combat overtourism and invest in infrastructure. (Euronews 2024)